Underwater massage - indications and contraindications. Indications and contraindications for the use of massage underwater shower (hydromassage) Pain in the side after an underwater shower massage

Hydromassage procedures have long been popular with people who go to beauty salons, health clinics and centers. Everyone knows about the positive effect of water on the human body. Water treatments, if prescribed and carried out correctly, help fight disease and aging. Among them, the most pleasant and demanded procedure is the underwater shower.

Therapeutic effect

During an underwater shower, a patient is affected by several therapeutic factors - this is a bath, and the physical effect of a water jet, and a contrast temperature. The water jet used for the massage is the main effect, and the bath is an additional one.

This procedure of this type of shower is performed only in medical institutions, but for many, its simpler and more affordable analogue is enough - a hydromassage in a bath. Although household massage is inferior to professional massage in terms of its effectiveness.

Hydromassage, carried out according to the correct method, will ensure the effect of the chemical, mechanical and physical properties of the water pressure.

The essence of this massage lies in the treatment of the body with a water jet at the time when a person is placed in a bath filled with water. During the massage, the stream of water is moved, changing the temperature of the water and its pressure.

The vibrating jet deeply massages the body, acting painlessly, which increases the tone and activates the movement of lymph and blood throughout the body. This effect eliminates both muscle tension and fluid stagnation in tissues. Due to the activation of metabolism, this procedure is good both for body shaping and for cosmetic purposes.

Since such a water massage has a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system, it is included in the treatment regimen for its pathologies.

By activating collagen synthesis, cleansing the skin, removing dead cells and smoothing fine wrinkles, the procedure transforms the appearance of the skin. After a course of underwater shower, the skin becomes more elastic, looks more attractive and healthy.

The procedure does not require the use of only fresh water, therefore, the spectrum of its positive effects is expanded by the use of both mineral and sea water.

Procedure technology

A special device supplies water to the bath with the specified temperature and pressure parameters. The jet of water inside the water mass creates vortex movements. To regulate the water supply, different nozzles are used - the larger their diameter, the less intense the jet will be supplied. Also, the intensity is influenced by the angle with which the water is supplied (the most powerful is the pressure at a right angle), and the range of exposure to the body.

The whirlpool tub is used large enough to completely immerse the patient's body in the water, while still leaving free space. The minimum volume of the bath is from 1.6 m3, width - 1 m, length - 2 m, height - 80 centimeters.

It is necessary to select the pressure of the water jet individually. General massage is performed with a water pressure of 2-3 atmospheres; pressure should not be applied to the abdominal wall in excess of 1 atmosphere. The water temperature is usually set from 34 to 38 degrees Celsius. The duration of the procedure is from 10 minutes.

For underwater massage, the same techniques are used that are used in classical massage, not forgetting that certain areas (mammary glands, heart, genitals) are not massaged.

For stroking, a stream of water is applied slowly and at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. The healthcare professional's left hand should slide along the massage lines, as if pressing a stream of water against the patient's body.

To regulate the intensity of the pressure, the distance to the skin is changed within 1-10 centimeters.

Reception "rubbing" is performed by applying a jet perpendicularly. In this case, the movements of the specialist's right hand are circular, and the left hand affects the intensity of the water jet. When kneading, the health worker grabs an area of \u200b\u200bskin and muscle tissue with his free hand, pulling it off. A stream of water is directed to this area in a circular motion in a horizontal position. Vibration is received by raising and lowering the left hand of the health worker. Also, the temperature of the water alternates at the same time, so the hydromassage is contrasting.

Such massage can be local (to treat one area of \u200b\u200bthe body, for example, the lower back) and general.

The number of procedures is determined individually, but more often 10-20 sessions are prescribed. You can repeat the course of an underwater shower after 6 months. Prescribing underwater massage, other thermal and water treatments are not performed at the same time.

Kinds

Depending on the changes in the water in the bath, the underwater shower is as follows:

1. With sea water.The presence of sea salt in the water helps in getting rid of puffiness and excess fluid. Biologically active elements of such water actively affect adipose tissue.
2. With mineral water.This version of the underwater shower is aimed at replenishing the mineral balance in the tissues of the body. Considering that this balance is disturbed in cellulite, it is clear that an underwater shower in mineral water has a direct anti-cellulite effect.
3. With added essential oils (lemon, lime, mint, grapefruit, rosemary and others). With an underwater massage, oils easily penetrate the skin, which helps in the fight against excess fat and cellulite. Also, such a shower option soothes and reduces fatigue, because it is combined with aromatherapy.

the effect

When a person is immersed in a bath, their pulse becomes more rapid and their blood pressure increases. Blood begins to move through the vessels faster. Within a few minutes, vasodilation occurs, the pulse returns to normal, and the pressure decreases. It is this period that gives the maximum therapeutic effect on the body.

Indications

Since hydrotherapy relaxes the body and the muscular system well, therefore an underwater shower will be a real salvation for those who need to recover after significant physical exertion. The procedure is effective for problems with metabolism, lymph drainage, blood circulation. It is often prescribed as a tonic and tonic.

The list of indications for an underwater shower looks like this:

• Nervous overload, stress, depressive states, chronic fatigue, asthenia, sleep problems.
• Metabolic disorders, body shaping for obesity, cellulite.
• Cerebral palsy, VSD, stage 1 hypertension.
• Arthritis, myalgia and arthralgia, muscle paresis, osteochondrosis, arthrosis, the period after injury and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
• Disorders of venous blood flow and lymph flow.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, detoxification.
• Problems in the genital area, deterioration of sexual function.
• The postoperative period for plastic surgery.
• Depleted immune function, fatigue, sports overload.
• Decrease in skin elasticity and turgor.

Contraindications

The session should be postponed if the patient has a fever, an infectious disease, or a chronic illness worsens. After recovery, the course of procedures can be continued.

There are also contraindications that generally prohibit an underwater shower:

• heart disease (post-infarction state, hypertension 2-3 degrees);
• thrombophlebitis;
• oncology;
• urolithiasis disease;
• suffered a stroke in the past;
• pregnancy;
• skin diseases.

If you do not have these contraindications, you can safely carry out the procedures!

Cellulite treatment

The underwater shower is considered to be a very effective method used for cellulite. For the procedure, use sea water and some bioactive additives.

Their effect is complemented by water massage and produces an amazing effect thatdue to the following factors:

1. Chemicals in seawater and dietary supplements stimulate the breakdown of adipose tissue.
2. The venous system is trained, the movement of blood through the vessels is accelerated, due to which the metabolism improves, and toxins are quickly removed from the body. This effect is enhanced when warm and cold water alternates.
3. Gases and ions penetrating from water enter the bloodstream and have a positive effect on all body tissues, improving their nutrition.
4. Mechanical jet massage additionally affects the tissues affected by cellulite.

For cellulite, in addition to the already described options, an underwater shower with mineral water, sea water and essential oils is also effective option of combining underwater massage and wine bath.

Underwater hydromassage (shower massage, aquamassage) is a procedure performed in a special hydromassage bath, which is performed by a specialist physiotherapist. A special hose equipped with nozzles is used to massage the patient's body immersed in water. It must be said that a professionally performed procedure has little to do with a jacuzzi bath, if it is installed in your apartment.

Professional underwater hydromassage is a wonderful physiotherapy treatment designed for relaxation, rest and treatment. With its help, you can lose weight, improve the functioning of the immune system, get rid of headaches, etc.

But first things first. Let's talk in more detail about this very popular procedure - we will consider the indications and contraindications for underwater massage. We will also learn how this procedure affects the body.

What is an underwater massage procedure?

Hydromassage usually combines the positive effect of a therapeutic bath and an active mechanical effect on the human body with a powerful jet of water having a pressure of 1.5 to 4 atmospheres.

Massage, as we have already said, is performed by a specialist who, using a special technique, acts on the patient's body, immersed in water. The whole body is massaged, but special attention is focused on problem areas (thighs, buttocks, abdomen). Usually the session is carried out within 45 minutes.

Underwater hydromassage can be either general (the water jet affects the whole body) or local (the jet is directed to a specific "problem" area). During the procedure, the masseur can change the water pressure, its angle of fall, temperature, etc. This achieves the desired effect (cosmetic or therapeutic). In general, such a massage is a real panacea for stressful conditions, fatigue, nervousness, irritability.

Indications

Of course, underwater massage significantly improves the condition of the skin, increases its tone, eliminates excess fat and cellulite. But in addition to its cosmetic properties, it is also a full-fledged therapeutic and prophylactic procedure. Let's find out for what diseases and conditions it is prescribed:

First of all, the procedure for exposure to a water jet under strong pressure is indicated for people suffering from diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including diseases of the joints. The procedure is prescribed for radiculitis, plexitis, neuritis in the chronic, acute or subacute stages.

Massage is useful after the postponed poliomyelitis, with certain cardiovascular diseases, hypertension in the initial stage. Also, a referral to undergo massage sessions can be prescribed for violations of intestinal motility, as well as in violation of fat metabolism.

Benefit

Underwater massage is undoubtedly a useful procedure, especially if it is carried out in courses. As a result of exposure to high water pressure, motor functions are restored, joint mobility is improved, and muscle spasms are eliminated.

In the course of the course of procedures, the condition of the vessels improves, their walls are strengthened, and elasticity is restored. Lymph and blood flow improves, the work of the heart muscle is activated. In addition, metabolic processes are improved, activated, and general well-being improves.

The effectiveness of the procedure for improving the condition of the skin is invaluable. Under the influence of a stream of water, the skin is smoothed, resurfaced, dead cells are removed, and living cells are saturated with oxygen. In this regard, the color, structure, tone of the body skin improves, and the blood flow of the epidermis is activated. With the help of massage, toxins and slags are removed from the skin and the whole organism. It is most useful to conduct hydromassage sessions with the onset of spring and autumn.

Underwater massage for weight loss

For enhanced elimination of toxins from the inner layers of the skin, for the treatment of cellulite, the elimination of excess subcutaneous fat deposits, an underwater massage is used with a stream of water under pressure of 1-4 atmospheres. The massage should be carried out by a specialist, since this procedure is quite complicated and requires knowledge and experience.

During the procedure using a powerful stream of water, muscle tone is significantly increased, blood vessels expand, blood circulation in the tissues is activated, metabolic processes are activated. As a result, an increased breakdown of subcutaneous fat occurs, which means that cellulite disappears and weight is reduced. When carrying out a course of such massage, the weight is reduced by 3-4 kg. In addition, the level of bad cholesterol in the blood is reduced.

Contraindications

Underwater massage procedures are contraindicated for urolithiasis, venous diseases, including thrombophlebitis, in severe stages of hypertension, exacerbation of heart disease, as well as cerebral circulation disorders.

You can not carry out procedures during pregnancy, as well as elderly people and children.

Remember that any medical procedures, including hydrotherapy sessions, which include underwater massage, must be carried out for medical reasons. Be healthy!

In the 30s of the last century, a new revolutionary method of treatment was tested in Germany, which stunned with its results. The participants in the experiment were people who for a long time suffered from injuries of varying severity and had already completely lost hope of recovery. They were placed in pools of water, where air was pumped with a compressor. The formed jets influenced the diseased bodies with force. Imagine the general surprise when, after some time, the wounds of most patients began to heal, the swelling disappeared, and the broken bones healed. Since then, the technique called underwater shower massage has changed and improved, but it still remains one of the most beloved and popular in all balneological resorts in the world.

This technique is considered universal, as it combines the healing properties of classical massage, water, light, heat and hardening procedures, and sometimes aromatherapy.

A person who has just plunged into a warm bath has a slight rise in blood pressure. The heart begins to beat faster, causing the blood and lymph to move faster. But after a while the body gets used to the new environment and completely relaxes, the vessels expand, the pulse and pressure normalize, the muscles stretch and become more elastic, the clamps, spasms, and pain disappear with them. If at this moment a stream of water is directed to the surface of the skin at a certain angle and pressure, then nothing will prevent it from acting even on the deepest organs, tissues and structures, without causing pain and discomfort. As a result:

• the tone of blood vessels and muscle corset increases;
• metabolic processes are activated;
• tissues are saturated with nutrients and oxygen;
• slags and toxins are removed from the body;
• the formation of cholesterol plaques stops;
• increased synthesis of endorphins begins - substances that reduce pain;
• tissues and joints get rid of excess fluid that causes swelling and inflammation and restore their mobility;
• pores open, keratinized scales of the upper layer of the epidermis are exfoliated, as a result, the skin is leveled, getting rid of the manifestations of cellulite, scars and adhesions, acquires elasticity and an even healthy color;
• fat deposits are broken, the figure becomes slim and fit. There are cases when patients lost up to 5 kg of weight during a course of shower-massage.

The alternation of high and low temperatures allows this type of massage to be classified as a hardening procedure. As a result, the immune defense is strengthened, the resistance and general tone of the body increase. A few drops of essential oils added to water or sea salt, which saturates the body with iodine and mineral components, will enhance the effect.

Chromotherapy

The combination with chromotherapy - the therapeutic effect of color and light - is especially popular today. Moreover, each shade of the spectrum performs a specific function: red - improves blood circulation, yellow - fights cellulite, and green and blue - perfectly treat inflamed and irritated skin.

Indications for appointment

A warm bath with a massage shower is the best way to relax and unwind after a long day at work. This useful procedure brings a surge of strength and energy, and sometimes it even becomes an irreplaceable therapeutic tool that helps fight diseases:

• musculoskeletal system: arthrosis, osteochondrosis, curvature of the spine, paresis and deforming spondylosis;
• skin: deprive, increased cell division with hyperkeratosis, neurodermatitis;
• digestive system: colitis, gastritis, intestinal functional disorders;
• vessels: hypertension and low blood pressure in the initial stage of development, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, atherosclerosis;
• urogenital area: inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, prostatitis;
• peripheral nervous system: neuritis, plexitis, myositis;
• metabolism: gout, obesity, cellulite.

Loose nerves, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome are direct indications for this hydrotherapy method.

Contraindications

Hydromassage is a fairly safe procedure, but this type of therapy can harm health and significantly worsen the condition when:

• heart rhythm disorders;
• angina pectoris, especially in its severe manifestations;
• cardiovascular insufficiency;
• hypertension of the 3rd degree;
• recent stroke or myocardial infarction;
• epilepsy;
• diabetes mellitus;
• tuberculosis;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• atherosclerosis;
• oncology;
• pregnancy;
• uterine and menstrual bleeding;
• any infectious and inflammatory diseases in the acute stage;
• recent injuries and fractures;
• fever and fever;
• urolithiasis;
• the presence of blood clots and a tendency to form them;
• pustular rashes on the skin.

The age of the patient is also a contraindication: in order to avoid undesirable consequences, this type of massage is not recommended for children under 5 and adults over 70 years old without first consulting a doctor.

Necessary equipment

For the procedure, special large-volume baths with a capacity of up to 600 liters are used. The streamlined shape of the bed is equipped with a comfortable headrest and multi-level footrests, allowing the patient to sit comfortably during the massage. Today, in spas and health centers, fiberglass equipment is preferred, as it is durable and resistant to aggressive fillers, for example, highly mineralized water. The presence of a special anti-slip step, as in the photo, is welcomed, allowing you to easily get out of the bath.

Such a device is equipped with a flexible hose with which the specialist performs massage, and a convenient control panel that allows you to control the temperature and pressure of the water. The intensity of the impact and the type of jet are also regulated using nozzles of various shapes included in the kit:

• jet - with round holes - are used for local massage;
• rainwater - with many small holes - are intended for the initial preparatory treatment of the whole body, as well as for impact on the abdomen and joints;
• slotted - used to massage the spine, arms and legs.

The price of such a procedure in the salon is from 700 to 3000 rubles. You can save money by arranging a hydromassage at home.

• The easiest option is to use a regular shower hose, after removing the watering can from it. Adjust the water pressure and local distribution by hand.
• You can purchase special Alekseev massage attachments. They are equipped with replaceable nets with 13, 19 and 61 holes and are designed for powerful acupressure, soothing or gentle massage. Based on many positive reviews, these attachments are easy and effective to use. Crafted from lightweight, quality plastic, they have a versatile mount and fit easily over any household shower hose. Before using the attachments, it is advisable to watch a training video or carefully read the attached instructions.
• The most expensive option is an automatic hydromassage shower cubicle or bathtub with built-in nozzles, from which water-air jets escape under programmed pressure, acting on the human body.

Technique of the procedure

The session begins with filling the bath. The water should not be too hot: 36–37 ° C will be sufficient. To enhance the healing effect, it is useful to use all kinds of additives: sea salt, essential oils, healing decoctions. Herbaden Spa has gained particular popularity - a mix containing Dead Sea salts with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and extracts of the six most famous medicinal herbs: chamomile, mint, nettle, lavender, willow bark and hop cones.

Then the patient is immersed in a bath and just lies in warm water for 5-7 minutes, getting used to it and relaxing the muscles. After that, the masseur takes a hose in his hands and begins to treat the human body with a stream of water coming out under pressure up to 4 atmospheres, constantly changing the angle of inclination, nozzles and methods of exposure. It can be:

The procedure lasts up to half an hour, after which you need to lie down in warm water for another 5–7 minutes. During the session, the specialist must constantly monitor the patient's condition. At the first signs of his poor health - heart palpitations, nausea, dizziness, tinnitus - you should immediately interrupt the massage. Redness of the skin after manipulations is not an alarming signal, it is just a consequence of increased blood circulation and heat exposure.

The competent implementation of underwater therapy will reduce all existing risks to zero and give you the opportunity to enjoy life without pain, problems and worries.

Feature articles

A lot can be said about the method of manual underwater shower-massage, which has already become traditional for many medical and health institutions. Until now, doctors have not come up with a better way to safely treat pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, restore motor functions and muscle tone, treat sleep disorders, neurosis-like conditions, and eliminate body fat.

The procedure is first class!

The underwater hand massage shower is renowned for its powerful therapeutic effect. In physiotherapy, there is a scale of evidence for the effectiveness of procedures. Hydrotherapy procedures, in particular LDM, are classified as class I A. This means that evidence of efficacy comes from multiple randomized controlled trials among tens of thousands of patients. Class I A is considered international. This technology is accompanied by detailed guidelines with a description of indications and contraindications.

To perform the LHD procedure, specialized equipment is needed: a bath of a certain capacity from 250 to 600 liters with a tangentor built into it. The bath can be filled with both fresh and mineral water. During such a procedure, the patient experiences the action of 3 factors at once: temperature, mechanical and chemical, because part of the composition of the water is absorbed through the skin and enters the general bloodstream. When performing the procedure, you need to remember three main points: 1. the temperature of the water, 2. the pressure of the jet used for the massage (the norm is from 1 to 4 atmospheres) 3. the duration of the procedure.

PDM in the palm of your hand

The procedure of manual underwater shower-massage is related to the section "heat-hydrotherapy" and acts on all systems of the human body. During its implementation, a powerful analgesic effect is observed - spasmodic muscles relax under the action of warm water and dosed pressure of the jet, the pain decreases or disappears altogether. With the correct technology, the method has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and vegetative-correcting effect. Treatment procedures have a particularly good effect on the functions of the musculoskeletal system, on the state of the nervous, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, genitourinary systems and on the gastrointestinal tract. LHM procedures should not be prescribed during an exacerbation of certain chronic diseases, for example, in chronic bronchitis or COPD.

The underwater shower massage is indicated not only for the treatment of diseases, but also as a powerful healing procedure. It changes the immunological status and has a nonspecific immunomodulatory effect. PDM procedures have the most striking stress-protective effect and are able to compete with acupuncture, electrosleep, and even drug-induced stress-protective therapy. Regardless of how and in what water (fresh, mineral) the procedures are performed, a stable long-lasting and rapidly occurring (3-5 procedures) effect of relaxation and increased resistance to stress is formed. This effect can be enhanced by using mineral waters containing iodine, bromine and low concentrations of sodium chloride waters.

The procedure is in the forefront of the "ideal" in modern technologies for weight loss and body shaping. The LDM method, according to various experts, must be included in comprehensive weight loss programs that are offered to clients in many sanatoriums and health centers, because it allows you to achieve a quick multivalent result. There is no equal to this technology in the complex therapy of weight loss.

Technology in detail

Since the procedure of a manual underwater shower massage can have a strong effect on the human body, doctors must carefully familiarize themselves with the patient's health before prescribing a course. It cannot be recommended to everyone in a row and cannot be carried out routinely. For each patient, the pressure of the jet, the temperature of the water is determined in accordance with his disease and condition. For example: a patient came to an appointment with back pain and a diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the spine, herniated disc in the lumbar spine. In addition, this patient's situation is aggravated by hypertension with frequent crises. Before prescribing a doctor, first of all, it is necessary to determine what medications the patient is taking with a hypotensive purpose, and to build a treatment method that is suitable specifically for him. The water temperature should be no more than 35-36 degrees, the pressure from 1.5 to 3 atmospheres. Moreover, it is necessary to approach the 3rd atmospheres only at 6-7 procedures. On the first day for a "problem" patient, there will be enough pressure of 1 atmosphere, on the second - 1.5, and so on. Moreover, the procedure itself can be started only after a 5-minute adaptation of the patient in a bathtub filled with water. His vascular system must adapt and the pressure to equalize. After that, you can start massage. First, the limbs are treated, then the thighs, buttocks, and at the last stage the nurse begins to massage the lower back and spine. Another simple rule that must be strictly observed: after the procedure, the patient must necessarily rest in the ward for at least 45-60 minutes in the supine position. Do not forget about blood pressure control before and after the procedure.

Craftsmanship secrets

What is the most convenient and attractive in the method of a manual underwater massage shower? It is easy and convenient to dose. The nozzle is in the hands of a trained nurse, she changes the distance from the nozzle to the skin, angle, direction of the jet and its pressure, thereby increasing or weakening the mechanical effect on the patient. After all, different surfaces must be processed at different angles. It is strictly forbidden to immerse a person in the water of everything - the areas of the sternum and the projection of the heart must be open. If a woman accepts the procedure without a bra, it is necessary that she cover the nipples with her hand, since the pressure of the jet and mechanical irritation in the area of \u200b\u200bthe mammary glands and external genital organs cannot be used.

So, if the temperature and pressure of the jet are correctly selected, the method of action and massage techniques (stroking, pecking, rotating, vibrating) are clearly observed, in this case the patient develops an adequate response of the vascular system and the whole organism as a whole. At first, the blood pressure rises slightly, and after the procedure it decreases to a level not lower than that which is usual for this person. If, after the procedure, the patient develops a hypotonic reaction, lethargy, nausea, dizziness, or, on the contrary, has a hypertensive crisis, then, most likely, the technology of the procedure was violated, or there was an overdose, incorrect temperature. And the doctor must definitely find the reason and take action.

The procedure should be performed every other day or 2 days in a row with a day off - after all, all body systems need time to properly respond to multifactorial effects.

Important: Manual underwater shower massage is a jeweler's work and should only be done manually according to a well-established technique. This makes it possible to correctly dose the therapeutic effect. Unlike baths with automated massage, LDM has the highest degree of effectiveness. The patient is in contact with the nurse, because only she can make her individual, which is what real professionals always strive for.

Overview of baths for LHD

Name	Size, cm	Material	Useful volume, l	Guarantee, mess.	Average delivery time, weeks	price, rub.
Unbescheiden, 0.10	210x98x85	acrylic glass	600	12	12	583 295
VOD 56	260x100x120	fiberglass	370	12	5-6	326 950
Aquadelicia II	246.5x100x107	monolithic acrylate	350	12	5-6	265 973
Magellan (VPDM 01-02)	268x100x106	fiberglass-reinforced acrylic	550	24	2	193 000
Gulf Stream	260x101x115	fiberglass	570	12	4-5	230 000

Today, many types of massage are practiced for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Underwater massage is on the list of the most demanded procedures in hydrotherapy. It maintains youthfulness of the skin, removes excess weight.

What are the benefits of underwater massage

Where are these procedures carried out? Health-improving institutions, balneological resorts, as well as beauty salons present a wide range of water procedures.

Course reception of underwater massage:

• activates metabolism;
• improves blood circulation, lymph flow;
• enhances immunity;
• reduces pain syndrome, restores the nervous system;
• normalizes hormonal levels;
• increases blood pressure, muscle tone when using hot water;
• enhances the hypotensive effect when using cool water;
• improves tissue regeneration processes, skin muscle tone, body skin becomes firm, elastic;
• reduces leg swelling;
• removes toxins from the body
• restores sleep, improves the body's resistance to stress.

Despite the positive effect, underwater massage has its own indications and contraindications.

Who can take hydromassage

Underwater shower massage has indications for the following diseases:

• rehabilitation after surgical interventions and injuries, with osteochondrosis, painful joint lesions, gout, radiculitis, ankylosing spondylitis;
• diseases of the heart, respiratory system, peripheral nervous system;
• condition after poliomyelitis with muscle paresis;
• painful menopause, menstrual irregularities, vegetative-vascular dystonia, stage 1 hypertension;
• with metabolic disorders, cellulite, large body weight;
• with insomnia, stressful situations, chronic fatigue syndrome, nervous overload;
• with sexual disorders;
• recovery after operations;
• when correcting a figure to restore skin turgor.

Who is contraindicated in hydrotherapy?

The main contraindications are diseases of the cardiovascular system, hypertension at 2 and 3 stages.

Do not prescribe water procedures to persons with pronounced symptoms of varicose veins of the legs, with impaired blood circulation in the brain, patients with urolithiasis. The underwater procedure should not be prescribed to cancer patients, persons with skin diseases, as well as people with mental disorders. For what other category of persons is underwater massage a contraindication? Pregnant women, children and adolescents, the elderly.

Underwater procedure

The use of aquamassage was noted in Germany in the last century. How is hydromassage done? Classic manual underwater massage is carried out using the following movements: stroking, rubbing, vibration and kneading. The massager is a stream of water supplied through a special nozzle. The intensity of the action of the water depends on the goal and the diameter of the nozzle.

An underwater hydromassage shower can be general (a person is completely immersed in a container of water) or local (lowers a part of the body). In terms of thermal effects, it can be warm (water temperature 37-39 ° С), hot (temperature 40 ° С). The addition of herbal infusions, vegetable oils and salt improves the therapeutic effect.

Procedure

The patient is placed in a hydromassage pool. The water jet is directed towards the patient under pressure. The nozzles have different thicknesses and shapes, allowing you to change the intensity of the water supply and the angle of inclination.

The procedure consists of the following steps:

1. Training. The patient plunges into the hydromassage pool, relaxes for 5 minutes.
2. Carrying out the procedure according to the planned program.

The procedure is carried out according to the classic massage rules.

With maximum water pressure, only the lower and upper limbs can be massaged. The rest of the body requires minimal exposure at a distance of 15-20 cm from the skin. The 90 ° water jet has the most powerful effect on fabrics. The abdominal area is massaged only clockwise. The strength of the water is regulated by the thickness of the tip and the angle of delivery.

An important contraindication is not to direct the water stream to the chest, genitals.

The doctor prescribes an underwater massage based on the indications for use and the diagnosis. The duration of the water procedure varies from 10 to 30 minutes, it is carried out according to the doctor's prescription every day or every other day.

As a rule, to obtain a healing effect, the patient must take at least 15-30 water sessions. An underwater massage shower is contraindicated on days when other water and thermal prescriptions of the doctor are carried out, as well as ultraviolet exposure.

During the procedure, warm water relaxes muscle tissue, water jets massage the tissue painlessly. In this state, it is possible to carry out a deeper underwater massage, which enhances blood circulation, lymphostasis, as a result, increases metabolism in cells, leading to a decrease in inflammation processes.

Technics

• Stroking.

This technique has a mild effect on the skin. Water supply angle 35-45 °, water pressure from 1 to 1.5 atmospheres. The masseur, folding one hand in a chute, slowly advances the tip at a distance of 1 to 10 cm from the skin. This manipulation helps to regulate the pressure of the water flow, resulting in a soft glide over the body.

• The most powerful technique for an underwater shower massage is rubbing. The jet is directed perpendicular to the skin. Water pressure from 2 to 4 atm. Actions: circular movements along the massage lines. The jet intensity is adjusted with the left hand.
• Kneading.

In terms of technique and influence on muscles, this is the most powerful technique. Actions: grab muscle tissue by hand, lift it above the skin and apply a stream of water to it. The movements are circular vertically and horizontally. The intensity of the water pressure is directly related to the massaging area of \u200b\u200bthe skin. The distance of the nozzle from the skin is from 5 to 10 cm.

Rhythmic changes in the distance from the masseur's hand to the patient's body with an interval of 10 to 60 cm form vibrational movements. This technique has a powerful effect on the patient's nervous system.

Indications for the use of local underwater massage

The procedure is prescribed by a doctor based on the established diagnosis and the patient's condition. In this case, the diseased part of the body (legs, arms, lumbar part) is massaged with a water shower.

Treatment results

After undergoing a course of treatment with the use of hydromassage, the patient's general well-being improves. The nervous system is strengthened, full sleep is restored. Decreases headache, bone-joint pain. Patients are less tired from stress (mental and physical). Swelling in the legs is reduced. There are cosmetic changes. Postoperative scars become less visible. The skin gains elasticity, smoothness, becomes silky. Cellulite phenomena disappear, body weight decreases from 2 to 5 kg. Strengthening metabolic processes in the body reduces blood cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

Underwater shower massage is the most pleasant and beneficial procedure for the human body.

However, there are a number of diseases and conditions when its use is harmful. Therefore, the procedure is recommended to be carried out according to the doctor's prescription.